Support apparatus

ABSTRACT

A support apparatus having a receiving member adapted to receive a work object, a frame for mounting the receiving member in a range of positions relative to a predetermined area, and an adjustment assembly borne by the frame operable to place the receiving member in a selected position within the range of positions relative to the predetermined area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a support apparatus and, moreparticularly, to a support apparatus which has particular utility whenused to support portions of the human body during a period of time for apredetermined purpose.

(2) Description of the Prior Art

There are innumerable situations in which there are consequencesassociated with the positioning of objects, or portions of objects,relative to each other. This is particularly the case where the humanbody, or that of another living creature, is involved in a particularactivity, practice, or experience. The nature of the specific activityrequires that a certain general or specific position be assumed. Forexample, in the case of surgery or other medical treatment on humanbeings or animals, the position of the body, or parts of the body,during the procedure are normally of critical importance.

In another environment, the operation of a motor vehicle requires thatthe driver assume a position which, among other considerations, permitsproper visibility, access to and operation of the controls, bodilysupport, comfort and the like. Accordingly, these and other requirementsare normally achieved when the driver assumes a seated, uprightposition.

Still another situation in which general positioning is beneficial is inthe case of sleeping, or similar activities. The most common position toassume for normal sleeping is a reclining or otherwise recumbentattitude. Without suitable positioning, sleep may be difficult orvirtually impossible. In addition, there may be adverse consequenceswhere certain positions are assumed even where in the only attitudesconventionally possible. This may be experienced by an otherwise healthyand uncompromised individual as well as in the case of a person who iscompromised in some respect.

In the case of sleeping position, other adverse consequences of suchconventional positioning include a lack of or impaired sleep; stiffnessin the extremities, or joints, of the body; numbness in the face,shoulders, arms, legs, or other parts of the body; impaired circulationthrough the body; a lack of sensation in portions of the body, eithertemporarily or for a more prolonged period of time; aching in the neck,arms, legs, or other parts of the body; and a myriad of other effects.One or more of these consequences may be experienced on a frequent basisby most people and may, over time, result in one or more permanentadverse conditions.

As a result of the foregoing adversities, a multiplicity of remedieshave been explored and have resulted in a wide variety of commercialproducts, treatments, medications and the like. None of these productsor other remedies has achieved more than a modest improvement in theresultant adverse conditions. Some of the products have no affect orbeneficial result. Many of the products are inordinately expensive.Still other of the products exacerbate these conditions, at least undercertain circumstances. In any case, the resultant conditions have notadequately been addressed even though these conditions have, in essence,always been experienced by human beings.

Therefore, it has long been known that it would be desirable to have anapparatus which alleviates the adverse consequences resulting frompositioning, or attitude, in the course of certain activities,practices, experiences, or the like; which is applicable in certainsituations to both human beings and other living creatures; whichprovides an essentially permanent remedy for these adverse consequenceswhen used on a regular basis; which provides comfort during suchactivities as sleep enhancing the quality thereof so as to afford theadditional benefit of being fully rested after use; which consequentlyresults in a variety of secondary benefits such as improved thoughtprocesses, enhanced performance in work, sports activities and the like,and a rested physical appearance; which has other benefits includingthose relating to health as, for example, a stronger immune system,slowing of the aging process, minimization of the development of certaindiseases such as arthritis, muscle degeneration, depression and thelike; which achieves emotional benefits such as providing a generalsense of well-being, attitude and a positive outlook notwithstanding thevicissitudes of every day life; and which is otherwise successful inachieving its operational objectives.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a supportapparatus which is particularly well suited to use in certainactivities.

Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which is operablefor use both in relation to human beings as well as other livingcreatures in certain situations.

Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which is operableto alleviate adversities resulting from certain activities, practices,experiences and the like.

Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which provides avirtually permanent remedy for adversities resulting from certainactivities when used on a regular basis.

Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which isparticularly well suited to usage by humans being during sleep and thelike.

Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which does not, inany respect, interfere or detract from the particular activity involved.

Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which affordsbenefits and avoids adversities during sleep unlike anything heretoforeachieved in the art.

Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which provides amultiplicity of benefits which are secondary to the primary purposes ofthe apparatus so as to achieve an overall solution to adversitiesexperienced by virtually all human beings in one respect or another.

Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which can bemanufactured in a number of different embodiments providing a level ofcomfort not experienced in prior art devices, or as a result of theusage of medications or treatments directed to the same or similarobjectives.

Further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which isdependable, economical, durable and fully effective in accomplishing itsintended purposes.

These and other objects and advantages are achieved, in the preferredembodiment of the present invention, in a support apparatus having areceiving member adapted to receive a work object, a frame for mountingthe receiving member in a range of positions relative to a predeterminedarea, and an adjustment assembly borne by the frame operable to placethe receiving member in a selected position within the range ofpositions relative to the predetermined area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support apparatus of the preferredembodiment of the present invention shown in use in a typical operativeenvironment.

FIG. 2 is a somewhat enlarged, transverse vertical section taken on line2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one portion of the support apparatusdisposed in one operative configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the support apparatusviewed in FIG. 3, but disposed in a second operative configuration.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of the portion of the support apparatusviewed in FIGS. 3 and 4 disposed in the operative position shown in FIG.3.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the portion of the support apparatusviewed in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 disposed in the operative position shown inFIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the support apparatus ofthe present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 inFIG. 1. For illustrative convenience the support apparatus is shownrested on a floor surface 15.

The preferred embodiment of the support apparatus 10 is shown anddescribed herein in a typical operative environment employed inconjunction with a conventional bed, generally indicated by the numeral20 in FIG. 1. The bed has a bed frame assembly 21 which includes aheadboard 22. The headboard has an upstanding panel 23 having an upperedge 24, opposite lateral edges 25 and a lower edge which is not visiblein the drawings. A leg 26 is mounted on each of the lateral edges and isdisposed in upstanding relation. Each leg has a lower end portion 27which is rested on the floor surface 15.

The bed frame assembly 21 has a footboard 35 with a panel 36. The panelhas an upper edge 37 and opposite lateral edges 38. The panel has alower edge 39. Legs 40 are individually mounted on the opposite lateraledges of the panel 36 in upstanding relation. The legs 40 have lower endportions 41 which are rested on the floor surface 15.

A metal frame 50 interconnects the legs 26 of the headboard 22 and thelegs 40 of the footboard 35 extending substantially horizontallytherebetween. The metal frame has two (2) longitudinal, angle iron framemembers 51 interconnecting the legs 26 and the legs 40 in spaced,substantially parallel relation. The metal frame has two (2) transverse,angle iron frame members 52 which individually interconnect thelongitudinal frame members at the headboard 22 and at the footboard 35in spaced, substantially parallel relation. The metal frame thus formssubstantially a rectangular configuration extending between theheadboard and the footboard in upwardly facing relation, as perhaps bestshown in FIG. 2.

A box spring unit 53 is rested on and within the metal frame 50, as bestshown in FIG. 2. The box spring unit has a bottom surface 54, oppositeside surfaces 55 and end surfaces 56. The box spring unit has an uppersurface 57. More specifically, the box spring unit is rested with itsbottom surface 54 on the longitudinal and transverse frame members 51and 52, respectively, with the upper surface 57 thereof disposed inupwardly facing relation.

A mattress unit 63, having a bottom surface 64, is rested upon the boxspring unit 53 with the bottom surface thereof in facing engagement withthe upper surface 57 of the box spring unit and in alignment therewith.The mattress unit has opposite end surfaces 66 and an upper surface 67.Thus, the box spring unit and the mattress unit are disposed relative toeach other, as best shown in FIG. 2.

For illustrative convenience, two (2) pillows 70 are shown in FIGS. 1and 2 rested on the apparatus 10, as will hereinafter be described ingreater detail. Each of the pillows has a lower surface 71 and an uppersurface 72. Each of the pillows has side surfaces 73 and end surfaces74.

Turning then to the apparatus 10 of the present invention itself, theapparatus has two (2) support assemblies generally indicated by thenumerals 80. The support assemblies are of substantially identicalconstruction, except in that they are mirror images of each other. Thesupport assemblies can be fabricated from wood, metal, heavy-dutyplastic, other synthetic material, or any other suitable material, or acombination thereof.

The two (2) support assemblies 80 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 inoperational relation to each other and to the conventional bed 20. Sincethe support assemblies are of substantially identical construction,although mirror images of each other, for illustrative convenience onlyone (1) such support assembly is shown and described herein in detail.One (1) support assembly is shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6. It will beunderstood that the description of the construction of one (1) supportassembly is identical to that of the other support assembly, except forbeing mirror images of each other.

The support assembly 80 has a frame assembly 81 having a main frame 82and a secondary frame 83. As will subsequently be described in greaterdetail, in use, the secondary frame is slideable in the main frame 82along a substantially vertical path of travel.

The main frame 82 has a housing 90. Two (2) leg members 91 are mountedon and extend downwardly from the housing in spaced, substantiallyparallel relation to individual end portions 92. The housing has abottom wall 93 which extends between leg members 91. The housing hasspaced, substantially parallel side walls 94, a front wall 95, a rearwall 96 and a top wall 97. The front wall and rear wall are disposed inspaced, substantially parallel relation. Similarly, the bottom wall 93and top wall 97 are disposed in spaced, substantially parallel relation.

The housing 90 has a passage or slot 110 extending through the top wall97 of the housing 90 to the bottom wall 93. The slot extends between thefront wall 95 and the rear wall 96 and laterally between the side walls94. The slot extends to a bottom surface 111, as shown in FIG. 5,between substantially parallel side surfaces 112, as best shown in FIG.6, and between substantially parallel end surfaces 113, as best shown inFIG. 5. The slot extends through a substantially rectangular opening 114in the top wall 97 to the bottom surface 111, as best shown in FIG. 2.

A locking device 120 is mounted on the housing 90, as shown in FIG. 5.The locking device has a handle 121 mounting an externally screwthreadedshaft 122 extending axially therefrom. The screwthreaded shaft 122extends through an internally screwthreaded hole 123 in the side wall 94on the left, as viewed in FIG. 5. The screwthreaded shaft has anengagement, or bearing, end 124 on the distal end thereof. By turningthe handle 121 in one direction of rotation, the screwthreaded shaft122, including the bearing end 124 thereof, can be advanced to theright, as viewed in FIG. 5. Alternatively, by turning the handle in theopposite direction of rotation, the screwthreaded shaft is retractedinto the screwthreaded hole 123 for purposes hereinafter to bediscussed.

The main frame 82 mounts a brace member 130 on and extending between theend portions 92 of the leg members 91. The brace member is pivotallymounted in this position by pivot pins 131 extending from the bracemember individually into the end portions 92 of their respective nearestleg member 91. The brace member has a foot member 132 extendingtransversely thereof on the under side of the distal end of the bracemember for engagement with the floor surface 15. The brace member can beplaced in a lowered, fixed position, as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively,the brace member can be placed in the raised, fixed position, shown inFIG. 4. The brace member can be locked in either position by anysuitable means.

The secondary frame 83 is slideably received within the slot 110 of themain frame 82 for vertical movement therewithin, as perhaps best shownin FIG. 2. The secondary frame 83 has a substantially flat slide member142 which is the portion of the secondary frame slideably receivedwithin the slot of the main frame. The slide member has a lower edge 143and substantially parallel lateral edges 144. The slide member has anupper edge 145 substantially parallel to the lower edge 143.

The slide member 142 is thus of a rectangular configuration dimensionedto be slideable within the slot 110. The lower edge 143 is engageablewith the bottom surface 111 of the slot. The lateral edges 144 areindividually, slideably engageable with the end surfaces 113 of theslot. The upper edge extends above the slot. The front surface 146 isslideably engageable with one of the side surfaces 112 of the slot. Therear surface 147 is slideably engageable with the other of the sidesurfaces 112 of the slot, as best shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6.

The bearing end 124 of the locking device 120 is selectively engageablewith the lateral edge 144 of the slide member 142 on the left, as viewedin FIG. 5. The locking device is thus selectively operable to lock theslide member in any vertical position within the slot 110, or to releasethe slide member for repositioning within the slot along a vertical pathof travel.

A reel assembly 152 is mounted on the front surface 146 of each slidemember 142 adjacent to the upper edge 145 of the slide member 142. Thereel assembly has two (2) mounting arms 153 mounted in spaced relationon the front surface 146 individually adjacent to the lateral edges 144of the slide member. The mounting arms 153 extend outwardly from thefront surface in spaced, substantially parallel relation. A reel 154 ismounted for rotational movement between the mounting arms. The reel hasa cylindrical outer surface 155 and opposite end portions 156. Mountingpins 157 individually mount the opposite end portions of the reel forrotational movement about its longitudinal axis.

The secondary frames 83 have a support mechanism 170 extendingtherebetween, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The support mechanism has abelt 171 mounted on and extending between the reels 154 of the two (2)reel assemblies 152. The belt is, in the preferred embodiment,constructed of a strong but flexible material such as a woven fabric, asynthetic material, leather or any other strong, flexible material. Thebelt 171 has an upper surface 172 and a lower surface 173. The belt hassubstantially parallel lateral edges 174. The belt has opposite endportions 175 which are individually attached to and wrapped around theouter surface 155 of each reel 154 of each support assembly 80.

The reels 154 of the two (2) support mechanisms individually haveratcheting mechanisms, not shown, which are operable to maintain tensionin the belt extending therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Theratcheting mechanisms also operate to pay out or reel in the belt toaccommodate increasing or decreasing the distance therebetween whilemaintaining the tension of the belt. The opposite ends of the belt can,if desired, be detached from their respective reels for purposes such asstorage or replacement of the belt when worn or damaged.

OPERATION

The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention isbelieved to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.

In use and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two (2) support assemblies 80of the support apparatus 10 are individually positioned immediatelyadjacent to the opposite sides of the bed 20. The brace members 130 ofthe respective support assemblies are pivoted downwardly from the raisedposition shown in FIG. 4 to the down and locked position shown in FIGS.2, 3, 5 and 6. The support assemblies thus are retained in the uprightpositions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, by the brace members. The main frames82 thereof are preferably, but not necessarily, placed in engagementwith the respective adjacent longitudinal frame members 51 and with thebrace members 130 thereof beneath the bed. The support assemblies 80 arepositioned in corresponding positions adjacent to the respective legs 26on opposite lateral edges 25 of the headboard 22.

The belt 171 interconnects the reels 154 of the two (2) supportassemblies 80 extending above and across the upper surface 67 of themattress unit 63 in spaced relation thereto, as best shown in FIG. 2.The precise desired elevation of the belt above the upper surface of themattress unit can be selected using the locking devices 120 of the mainframes 82. The handles 121 of the locking devices are rotated incorresponding directions to move the bearing ends 124 of thescrewthreaded shafts 122 away from engagement with lateral edges 144 ofthe slide members 142. This frees the slide members for upward ordownward movement in their respective slots 110 of the main frames 82.Both of the slide members are moved upwardly or downwardly, as desired,to corresponding positions to place the belt at the desired elevationabove the upper surface 67 of the mattress unit 63. The handles of thelocking devices are then rotated in the opposite directions again toplace the bearing ends 124 in binding, and thus locking, engagement withthe slide members. The slide members, and thus the belt, are locked inthese corresponding positions. As previously discussed, the ratchetingmechanisms of the reels 154 maintain the tension on the belt 171 so asto maintain the belt, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the selectedelevational position above the upper surface 67 of the mattress unit 63.

The pillows 70 are then placed in rested relation on the upper surface172 of the belt 171, also as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The spacing of thepillows is normally that consistent with two (2) people reclined forsleep on the upper surface 67 of the mattress unit with their headsindividually rested on the upper surfaces 72 of the respective pillows.The tension maintained on the belt by the ratcheting mechanisms of therespective reels 154 support the pillows individually bearing the headsof the people reclined thereon.

As can perhaps best be visualized upon reference to FIG. 2, there isthus a space of the desired vertical distance between the upper surface67 of the mattress unit 63 and the lower surface 173 of the belt 171.The weight of the heads of the persons rested on the pillows may casethe belt to sag slightly beneath the pillows, but such sagging isminimal. This space can be increased or decreased by freeing the slidemembers 142 within their respective slots 110 using the locking devices120, moving the slide members upwardly or downwardly as desired andthereafter again locking the slide members in the new positions usingthe locking devices.

The vertical space between the upper surface 67 of the mattress unit 63and the lower surface 173 of the belt 171 is used by the recliningpersons, for example, to receive the arm, or arms, and shoulder, orshoulders, thereof. The head is thus spaced from these portions of thebody thereby avoiding the weight of the head thereon. The space can bevertically reduced, if desired and as previously described, so that onlya portion of the weight of the head is applied to these portions of thebody.

Alternatively, the apparatus 10 can be employed to support the covers,such as sheets, blankets and the like, from resting on some portion ofthe human body. In this case, the covers are extended over and rested onthe belt 171 so as to provide spacing between the lower surface 173 ofthe belt and the upper surface 67 of the mattress unit 63. Such usage ofthe apparatus may be useful in the case, for example, of people who havehad surgery or another treatment or have a condition for which it isbeneficial to provide such spacing.

Consequently, all of the previously discussed adverse consequences ofsleeping is what would otherwise be considered a normal position areavoided. These adverse consequences which are avoided include, but arenot limited to, inadequate or impaired sleep; stiffness in theextremities and/or joints of the body; numbness or aching in the face,shoulders, arms, legs and/or other parts of the body; impairedcirculation; lack of sensation in portions of the body; and a sidevariety of other conditions.

Furthermore, the secondary adverse consequences of normal sleeppositioning are avoided. These include, but are not limited to, impairedthought processes; a tired physical appearance; impaired performance insuch activities as work, sports activities and the like; susceptibilityto certain diseases; emotionally detrimental affects; and a myriad ofother disadvantageous conditions.

In addition, and as previously discussed, the apparatus 10 of thepresent invention is applicable in a variety of different forms to otheractivities which may apply to both humans and/or animals. It isadvantageous for the body to be disposed in a beneficial attitudeduring, for example, surgery or the like.

Therefore, the apparatus of the present invention alleviates the adverseconsequences resulting from positioning, or attitude, in the course ofcertain activities, practices, experiences, or the like; is applicablein certain situations to both human beings and other living creatures;provides an essentially permanent remedy for such adverse consequenceswhen used on a regular basis; provides comfort during such activities assleep, enhancing the quality thereof so as to afford the additionalbenefit of being fully rested after use; achieves a variety of secondarybenefits such as improved thought processes, enhanced performance inwork, sports activities and the like, and a rested physical appearance;has other benefits including those relating to health as, for example, astrengthening of the immune system, slowing of the aging process,minimization of the development of certain diseases such as arthritis,muscle degeneration, depression and the like; achieves emotionalbenefits such as providing a general sense of well-being, attitude and apositive outlook notwithstanding the vicissitudes of every day life; andwhich is otherwise successful in achieving its operational objectives.

Although, the invention has been herein shown and described in what isconceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it isrecognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of theinvention which is not to be limited to the illustrative detailsdisclosed.

1. A support apparatus comprising receiving means adapted to receive awork object, a frame assembly for mounting said receiving means in arange of positions relative to a predetermined area, and means borne bysaid frame assembly operable to place said receiving means in a selectedposition within said range of positions relative to the predeterminedarea.
 2. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said range ofpositions includes a position operable to support said work object inspaced relation to the predetermined area.
 3. The support apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said receiving means is of sufficient strength tosupport the weight of the work object positioned on the receiving meanssubstantially in said selected position.
 4. The support apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the range of positions is substantially verticallyspaced from the predetermined area so as to permit the receiving meansto be moved from and toward the predetermined area to define a greateror lesser space between the receiving means and said predetermined areain said selected position.
 5. The support apparatus of claim 4 whereinthe receiving means is disposed in a selected position within the rangeof positions, the predetermined area is the upper surface of a portionof a bed and the work object is a portion of the upper body of a personreclined on said upper surface so as to space said portion of the upperbody of the person in a selected position spaced from the upper surfaceof said portion of the bed.
 6. The support apparatus of claim 5 in whichthe portion of the upper body of the person has upper extremities andwherein said space between the selected position of the receiving meansand the upper surface of the portion of the bed is sufficient to receivea portion of the upper extremities of said portion of the upper body ofthe person and the work object is the head of the person.
 7. A supportapparatus for use by a person, having two arms and a head, disposed in areclining position on a bed, the bed having opposite lateral sides andan upper surface, the support apparatus comprising two supportassemblies adapted individually to be positioned adjacent to saidopposite lateral sides of the bed; a frame mounted on each supportassembly adapted to move along a substantially vertical path of travelthrough a range of positions relative to said upper surface of the bed;a locking device mounted on each support assembly operable selectivelyto fix said frame of each support assembly in a selected position withinsaid range of positions; and a belt member adapted to be mounted on andto interconnect said frames of the support assemblies extending oversaid upper surface of the bed to define a space between the uppersurface of the bed and the belt member whereby a person can lay on theupper surface of the bed in a reclining attitude with the head of saidperson rested on the belt member supported above and in spaced relationto the upper surface of the bed and at least one arm of the persondisposed in rested relation on the upper surface of the bed so as topreclude the head resting on said at least one arm of the person.
 8. Thesupport apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said two support assemblieshas a brace member mounted thereon at substantially right angles to thesupport assembly whereby the brace member can be positioned beneath thebed so as to retain the support assembly in upstanding relation closelyadjacent to one of said opposite lateral sides of the bed.
 9. Thesupport apparatus of claim 7 wherein the frame of at least one of saidsupport assemblies has a tensioning mechanism mounted thereon andattached to the belt member operable to tighten or loosen the beltmember relative to the frames of said support assemblies.
 10. Thesupport apparatus of claim 7 wherein said belt member has an uppersurface dimensioned to receive a pillow disposed for direct receipt ofthe head of said person in rested relation thereon.
 11. The supportapparatus of claim 8 wherein said brace members are pivotally mounted ontheir respective support assemblies for selective movement from saidsubstantially right angles to the support assembly to raised positionsdisposed immediately adjacent to the support assembly and the beltmember is detachable from at least one of the frames to facilitatestorage of the support apparatus.